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Ecycler.com has introduced new features that will make connecting with discarders and collectors easier.

ecycler's recycling exchange

A new collector directory allows people with recyclables to discard to find collectors in their state. Likewise, a new discarder directory allows collectors to see which discarders are nearby. It also enables discarders to see which other discarders are joining the ecycler revolution.

In addition, the site has a new recycling exchange feature that allows people to see what kind of recyclables are available in their state. For example, a collector could click on “ Florida ” and see that someone in a particular zip code has a trash bag of aluminum cans to give away. If that discarder resides in the collector’s area, the collector can then contact that discarder directly through ecycler.com to arrange for a pick-up.

We covered the initial story back in October when SB 402 was vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger. Here’s hoping for a revival!

The Bottle Bill Fix, AB 7, just passed the Assembly and now heads to the Governor’s Desk. AB 7 will immediately restore roughly $15 million per month in core recycling funding under California’s successful Bottle Bill. Funding was cut last July forcing the closure of hundreds of centers and the loss of several hundred ‘green jobs’. If signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger, AB 7 will immediately restore funding and prevent millions in further cuts to recyclers, local governments, conservation corps and other core components of California’s successful Bottle Bill.

Details

California’s successful Beverage Container Recycling Program is under threat due to significant cuts to core recycling programs, such as payments for supermarket-based recycling, payments for curbside recycling and payments to conservation corps recycling. Cuts are due in large part to outstanding loan repayments to General Fund. Without AB 7, California recyclers and local governments will continue to face millions in cuts, including:

A Virginia legislative panel has rejected a proposal to levy a tax on consumers who accept paper bags or plastic bags from retailers.

A House Finance subcommittee tabled HB1115, a bill that would have required shoppers to pay a five-cent tax for each carryout bag received from retail establishments, including grocers, pharmacies and department stores.

The move follows on the heels of a decision by state legislators to set aside a proposal to ban plastic retail bags.

“Most public officials have determined that a new tax is not the most effective approach to combat litter – and that recycling works,” says Shari Jackson of the American Chemistry Council’s Progressive Bag Affiliates, which represents domestic plastic bag manufacturers.

We recently ran an article on the decision process of using either paper or plastic while in the checkout line (check it out here: Which is Better… Paper or Plastic?). Our conclusion? Best to use a re-usable bag. So, we thought it would be a great idea to give away a pile of our bags to one lucky winner. What’s a pile? How about five bags!

Roll Call a Capitol Hill newspaper will be the first publication to be printed on 100 percent recycled paper. The change will reduce the newspaper’s environmental impact, while improving the overall quality for readers and advertisers. It also kicks off a broader initiative to reduce the company’s overall carbon footprint.

“We are very excited about this new greening initiative,” said Laurie Battaglia, managing director and executive vice president, CQ-Roll Call Group. “Our company is the leader in providing insight and analysis about the workings of Congress, and with this shift to 100 percent recycled paper, we will be the leader among Washington publications with regard to environmentally conscious publishing practices.”

The new paper will be used starting in early March 2010, and is made of 100 percent recycled fiber with up to 40 percent post-consumer content. It is process chlorine free (PCF) and acid free in order to minimize adverse effects to the environment. The paper is certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).

Across the coming year, this important initiative will help CQ-Roll Call Group conserve the following resources:

8,620 trees

50,706 gallons of gasoline

5,273,910 kilowatts of electricity

182,541 gallons of water

30,423 pounds of air pollutants

1,673 cubic yards of landfill space

In addition, Roll Call’s quality and presentation for both readers and advertisers will improve as the new paper will be white, 30 percent brighter and offer greater opacity. As a result, photos, graphics, advertisements and text will be much sharper, more attractive and easier to read.

“This paper stock is brighter, sharper and future-oriented — words that also apply to our journalism,” said Mike Mills, editorial director and senior vice president, CQ-Roll Call Group. “With recent improvements in recovered fiber recycling, we are thrilled that we can now enhance Roll Call’s quality while helping to do more to protect the environment.”